Lawn Mower Maintenance After Summer

Fall is officially here, and the cooler weather is a signal for grass to stop growing in most areas across the country. In other words, mowing season is coming to a close. Before you pack the lawn mower away for the season, make sure you perform proper mower maintenance. Taking care of your lawn mower now can mean a quicker startup in the spring.

Follow these steps to prepare your lawn mower for winter:

The first step is to disconnect and ground the spark plug wire.

Next, drain the fuel tank and run the lawn mower until it stops. Gas left in the tank becomes gummy and can harm your machine. If you want to keep fuel in your lawn mower, treat it with a fuel stabilizer.

Just like a car engine, lawn mower engines must undergo regular oil changes. Make sure to add fresh oil before storage. ' Replace any broken or rusted parts, and clean any grass clippings or dirt from the machine. Check to see if your blades are sharpened. Dull blades could damage the grass and will cause the lawn mower to be less fuel efficient.

Clean and grease all lubrication points. It's a good idea to keep all moving parts, including the wheels and cables, lubricated with oil or grease.

Recharge the battery throughout the off-season. Start the engine from time to time or simply attach the battery to a charger.

Store your mower in a clean, dry location away from any corrosive materials.

If your mower has pneumatic tires, make sure they are not in contact with a cold surface. Placing cardboard under the tires can help.

Remember to check your owner's manual for instructions specific to your lawn mower. By properly maintaining your lawn mower, you'll enjoy a better mowing season for many years to come.